Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program, administered by the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS), aims to provide critical funding to support direct services for victims of crime. Established through the federal Crime Victims Fund, VOCA is a significant source of financial support for organizations offering assistance to individuals affected by crime across the state. This funding is not derived from tax revenues but instead from fines and penalties collected in federal criminal cases. OVS serves as the State Administering Agency (SAA) responsible for distributing VOCA assistance grants in New York and ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements. The 2026 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program provides a two-year funding opportunity spanning from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2028. The total funding pool for this period is capped at $253 million. Grants will be awarded through a competitive process and distributed until all funds are allocated. This opportunity is intended to expand the reach and capacity of programs offering trauma-informed, culturally specific services, especially in areas with unmet needs or underserved populations. Funding priority is given to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, underserved victims of crime, and community violence, including those affected by gun violence. At least 10 percent of funds are allocated to each federally defined priority category, and at least 10 percent to community violence intervention programs as required by New York’s Community Violence Intervention Act. Eligible applicants include victim assistance programs located in New York State that are operated by not-for-profit organizations or units of local government. Examples include rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs, child advocacy centers, Indigenous organizations, and programs embedded in hospitals or community-based organizations. Applicants must be prequalified through the Statewide Financial System (SFS), registered with SAM.gov, and maintain compliance with civil rights and equal opportunity laws. VOCA funds may not supplant other funding and must be used to enhance victim services. Services must be provided at no cost to victims, and no services can be contingent on religious participation if faith-based organizations are applying. The application process requires completion of several components: an Administrative Pass/Fail review (including prequalification), a Programmatic Narrative Submission Form detailing the problem statement, organizational capacity, and proposed services, a detailed project budget and justification narrative, and the submission of required forms such as service projections, staff allocations, and certifications. All applications must be submitted through the SFS by 5:00 p.m. EST on March 23, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted, and submission timestamps are system-generated. Applications will be evaluated based on a 50-point scoring rubric: 35 points for programmatic content and 15 points for the budget. OVS reserves the right to adjust awards to satisfy federal and state priority allocations and may issue awards in part or in whole. Notification of awards is expected by July 1, 2026. Upon award, grantees will be subject to contract negotiation, monitoring, and reporting obligations. Funds will be reimbursed quarterly, with an option for an advance of up to 25 percent of the first-year award. Grant recipients must track expenditures, staff time, and client services to maintain compliance. While OVS operates under a blanket match waiver for now, applicants are advised that matching requirements may be reinstated in future years. If so, grantees may be required to provide match contributions equal to 20 to 25 percent of their VOCA award, using non-federal funds. Allowable expenses under this program include direct victim services such as counseling, emergency housing, legal advocacy, forensic exams, and outreach. Administrative costs must be reasonable and justified, and subawards for services such as PREA coordination or legal networks must meet strict compliance criteria. Programs must also maintain updated public information in OVS Resource Connect and are encouraged to participate in statewide collaboration forums like VAP Connect.

Ensure prequalification in the Statewide Financial System (SFS); submit the Narrative Submission Form in the required format to avoid disqualification.